Eagle Point Man Arrested At Airport

Police at Portland International Airport say an Oregon man who was told he couldn't carry a loaded gun through a security checkpoint disregarded the recommendation that he check the pistol through as luggage. They say the man dropped the gun in an airport planter box.

Transportation Security Administration employees told Port of Portland police on June 24 that a passenger had asked for advice about what to do with the firearm. They say they watched as the man chose the planter box option instead.

Port of Portland spokesman Steve Johnson says port police recovered the loaded .22-caliber pistol. The traveler was taken into custody as he was once again proceeding through a security checkpoint to get on a flight.

The Oregonian reports that police arrested 69-year-old Soren Muir Johnson of Eagle Point for investigation of reckless endangering. Police say the man told them he hid the gun so he could retrieve it when he returned from his trip.